Seed Production of Several Strains and Hybrids of Bermudagrass, Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.1

Seed production of eight strains of bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.) was evaluated along with seven F1 hybrids. All hybrids had a common maternal strain. Seed yields of strains fell into three general groups: low, medium, and high. Yields of hybrids in the low group were greater than those of their male parents. However, both hybrid and paternal strain seed yields from this group were significantly lower than yields of the maternal strain. Hybrids involving three strains, 10978‐b, 9945‐a, and 9959, produced more seed than other hybrids. With the exception of the hybrid involving 9945‐a in 1972, seed yields produced by any one hybrid were never greater than the better parent. Average yield of pure seed for ‘Guymon,’ (an Oklahoma “common,” the maternal parent in all hybrids) was 892 and' 412 kg/ha in 1971 and 1972, respectively. Paternal strains 10978‐b and 9959 produced significantly more seed both years of the study than did Guymon. Direct evidence for percent seed set and indirect evidence for number of seed stalks produced suggests these two factors as being the major components determining seed yields. Compatible cross pollination, a high percentage of self‐fertilization, and favorable environmental conditions appear to be major factors influencing maximum seed set. Regulation of vegetative growth and moisture appears to be the important management area for seed production in the species.